This week we are thrilled to feature Urbano Rodriguez. A clearly creative mind, Urbano creates some amazing gadget accessories that are not only functional, but fun to look at. As a professional designer by day, he also takes his skills and experiments with unique jewelry and toys, so he’s created a shop full of interesting items for everyone!
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
All of my family is from Spain, but I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and I live and work here. I graduated with a degree in marketing and advertising. I have since developed my work as an Art Director, Designer, and Web Designer at mkt1, an small Internet Agency I founded with a friend, about 14 years ago.
What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
I’m absolutely crazy about design and the fascination of creating something new. It gives me a feeling that I simply can’t stop to looking for. I can say that it’s a kind of addiction; that without, I can’t feel really happy. This is what moves me.
What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
I have a drawing I made when I was very young, it´s a kind of “weird” alien skull, but it’s something I always thought to bring to real life, as an sculpture or something else. About only 8 months ago, I found Shapeways when I was surfing the internet, and I was absolutely amazed, about the idea to turn “ideas” in things. Of course my old “alien skull” was the first model I printed at Shapeways, and I have to say, many years later, to hold my teenage drawing in my hands was really a dream come true. I became paralyzed for some time, looking to have that drawing materialized and in that moment, I could see passing through my mind, all of those years of my life. It was one of the most incredible sensations I’ve ever had.
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
As a designer in my agency, I always tried to develop work which exceed the expectation of my clients. About seven years ago, I started to “play” with some 3D softwares, with the main intention of improving the quality of my work. I was very quickly totally addicted to 3D. During this period I taught myself with online tutorials.
How do you promote your work?
I’m still very new to the 3D printing market. I follow all the tips that Shapeways posts in the blog and forum about how to promote your shop. I really think you can find a lot of useful stuff there. I maintain a profile in some communities like Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Behance, and every time I create a new model or product, I share it in these places.
Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
I like so much the design, work and style of two great architects, Oscar Niemeyer and Zaha Hadid. I like very much too, the work of the young designer Nendo. Here at Shapeways I have seen many amazing works, but two whose I respect the work are Michiel Cornelissen and Nervous System.
If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
This is a good question. If I weren’t limited by technology, and money, I surely will build, “or print”, the UBO, a Concept Car I designed a few years ago, and that became pretty known over internet.
Anything else you want to share?
Maybe my Behance’s portfolio, there’s another approach of my work.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:
- Although not all products have photography, the renders featured show the item in context and beautifully presented
- The products with photos show both practical and fun use cases
- Shop sections for easy shopping
- Requests section is a very unique way of showing customers that you do, in fact, take requests
- Great branding (banner, product photos, etc)
- Experimentation with Beta and “Marketplace” products
Urbano! Such lovely work. Your products are bright and colorful, practical and well-designed. So happy you have found such joy through Shapeways. Don’t forget to follow Urbano via: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Behance. To be featured, feel free to email aimee @ shapeways.com.